Future-proofing our port cities

Conference 30 September – 1 October 2025 at Slagthuset, Malmö

 

As Malmö celebrates 250 years as a port city - together with Copenhagen Malmö Port, World Maritime University, and Union of the Baltic Cities- the City of Malmö warmly welcomes you to join this pivotal conference on Future-proofing Our Port Cities.

Since ancient times, the world's ports have played a crucial role in development, trade, and growth. Today, ports are not only central to 80% of global trade, but they also play a key role in building resilient communities and driving the green transition as foundations for sustainable growth.

At the same time, a changing climate and rising seas present new challenges for port cities worldwide, requiring them to evolve in harmony with the sea. 

Through this conference, decision-makers and officials from all levels of government - local, regional and national - along with authorities, businesses, international stakeholders, and academia will jointly explore solutions to develop and future-proof our port cities, thereby enhancing their  attractiveness and sustainable growth, providing security across Sweden and beyond.
 

Conference Themes

Theme 1: How we future-proof our port cities – growing cities in response to the sea
Many of our port cities in Sweden and around the world face the challenge of adapting to a rapidly changing climate. The first theme of the conference will address how we adapt our port cities to rising seas.

Theme 2: The role of ports for growth, the green transition, and as critical infrastructure.
The second theme of the conference focuses on the pivotal role of ports in driving innovation, ensuring supply security, supporting growth and, trade, and advancing the green transition. With Malmö as the starting point - celebrating its 250th anniversary as a port city - this theme brings together leading regional and international experts, along with representatives from ports, cities, authorities, and organizations actively working to transform and develop commercial ports into strong hubs for supply, growth, and the green energy transition – now and in the future.